A Miami Laker reader asked the question: Is there a “pooper-scooper” ordinance in Miami Lakes, like the one in Miami Beach, requiring owners, when walking their dogs in public, to clean up after them?
Lourdes Sosa, in the Town of Miami Lakes Code Enforcement Department, says there is currently NOT a separate “pooper-scooper” municipal ordinance in Miami Lakes, but agrees that it would be a great idea.
However, there is a Countywide Ordinance, Chapter 5, Section 20(c), which states, in part:
If a dog defecates on the grassy swale of a public right-of-way, or other such public property, or on private property without the express or implied consent of the property owner, the responsible party shall remove the defecation and deposit it in an appropriate trash receptacle, sanitary disposal unit, or other sealed container.
Enforcement of this Ordinance is by the County’s Animal Control Department, and violations should be reported to 3-1-1. An Animal Control officer will go to the owner’s house to explain the Ordinance.
The Miami Lakes Community and Leisure Services Department (formerly the Parks Department), in an effort to keep the town’s parks clean and health, has installed many “Dogi Pot” stations which dispense free plastic bags for owners to pick up after their dogs. The station also has a container in which to place the bags. If residents find the container in their park is full, or the bag supply is empty, call the town at 305-364-6100 to report it.
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